Surviving MN Winters

Minnesota winters can be especially harsh for people experiencing poverty or homelessness. For many of us, getting through a cold day means getting into a warm car and driving where we need to go. 

For someone without reliable transportation, it can mean walking blocks—or even miles to: 

• a doctor’s appointment
• caseworker meeting
• grocery storeor bank
• bus stop

Too often, people are making those journeys in worn-out shoes, a light jacket, or without adequate blankets or other winter necessities.

Communitas Twin Cities steps into that gap.

We provide:

• Metro Transit cards
• Warm winter boots and coats 
• Assistance with utility bills
• Hotel lodging to get out of the dangerous cold

At times we have paid for hotel lodging when temps drop dangerously cold and someone is not able to find shelter.

One of our community members, Julio, lost all his fingers and toes to frostbite several years ago.    His experience is a powerful reminder of just how dangerous Minnesota's cold can be for someone without adequate shelter, clothing, or transportation.

Winter also creates another challenge: higher utility bills. For someone already struggling to make rent, an unexpected increase in heating costs can be the difference between staying housed and losing housing. Assistance programs designed to help with these challenges cannot meet all the needs. 

 
Last year, a veteran in our community was at significant risk of losing his VA housing because of a long overdue Xcel Energy bill. Assistance that would normally have helped was significantly delayed, so Communitas stepped in and paid the bill—helping him remain in his apartment.

 
Because of the long-standing relationships we have with our community members, we are a direct resource they can contact for help. We understand the circumstances behind the crisis so we can make informed decisions. 
 
This winter, we're asking for your help. 
 
Our goal is to raise $4,000 to help provide transportation, winter clothing, and emergency assistance when these needs arise.

 
And right now, your gift can go twice as far.
 
We have a **$2,000 matching gift**, meaning every donation made toward this campaign can be **matched dollar-for-dollar until the match is reached. ** 
 
No matter the amount, your contribution can help someone stay warm, get where they need to go, or remain safely housed this winter.